Largest state-owned corporation State Trading Organization (STO) has revealed its plans to initiate food security in Maldives.
The future plan of the company was revealed by the new managing director Hussain Amru during his speech at Maldives Business Awards Gala Night on Saturday evening at Paradise Island Resort.
Initiated by Blazon, the Maldives Business Awards had STO as a main sponsor of the event. Whilst speaking at the Gala Night, the managing director stated that the country is entirely dependent on foreign imports for its basic living needs.
“ Staple food stocks in the Maldives lasts for only two months. It was saved in the recent rainfall due to the cooperation of our employees. Truth be told, we live in a very delicate landscape which can be provoked at any given moment. We need to be prepared for such events before it occurs”.
Amru further stated that reducing the dependency on foreign countries is essential for the growth of the country.
“We should conduct research onto the types of food that are grown in the Maldives. Self sustainability has to be the key for our country’s development.”
He mentioned that to give encouragement for the efforts of self sustainability, STO would be initiating a lot of work to guarantee food security.
Amru also highlighted the reality of climate and monsoon change and the effect it has on the country, yet the dependency for fuel still remains tragically high.
The new managing director STO furthered noted the company’s future plans to invest in renewable energy sources and academic institutes.